Gospić waste remediation plan released by Croatian Ministry

waste remediation illegal dumping environmental protection Gospić waste shipment law

The Croatian Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition, alongside the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund, has released a detailed four-phase remediation plan for illegally dumped waste in Gospić. Minister Marija Vučković stated that the entire process is expected to be completed within 18 months, with environmental monitoring continuing for five years thereafter.

The plan addresses approximately 33,000 tons of waste. Remediation costs are estimated at 40 million euros if waste is pre-treated on-site. The first three phases are projected to conclude within 12 months, while the fourth phase—involving the disposal of 6,000 tons of hazardous and non-hazardous waste—is expected to begin in six months.

Work has already commenced on temporary measures at the PPK Velebit site. The company Kostak - graditeljstvo has begun a 30-day project to cover the waste, aimed at preventing rainwater from leaching harmful substances into groundwater.

In a separate legislative move, Minister Vučković introduced a draft law on waste shipments. This proposal aims to ensure full traceability of cross-border waste movement from the sender through transport to the final recipient, aligning with new EU regulations.

Entities

Croatian Institute of Public Health · Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund · Gospić · Kostak - graditeljstvo · Marija Vučković · Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition · The Guardian

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] The remediation process is expected to be completed within 18 months. vijesti.hrt.hr
[○ 1 SOURCE] The total cost of remediation is estimated at approximately 40 million euros if waste is pre-treated on-site. vijesti.hrt.hr
[○ 1 SOURCE] Thirteen people were arrested in early 2025 for organized crime and illegal waste import from Italy, Slovenia, and Germany.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Environmental monitoring will continue for five years following the remediation. vijesti.hrt.hr
[○ 1 SOURCE] Official analyses confirmed the presence of toxic PFAS chemicals in groundwater near the Gospić site.
[○ 1 SOURCE] A detailed four-phase remediation plan for illegal waste in Gospić has been released. vijesti.hrt.hr
[○ 1 SOURCE] Temporary waste covering at the PPK Velebit site in Gospić commenced on September 23, 2026. baustela.hr
[● 4 SOURCES] The fourth phase, involving the disposal of approximately 6,000 tons of waste, cannot begin for another six months. ogportal.com · www.dnevno.hr · glas-slavonije.hr · www.index.hr
[● 4 SOURCES] Minister Marija Vučković stated that all four phases of the remediation can realistically be completed within 18 months. ogportal.com · www.dnevno.hr · glas-slavonije.hr · www.index.hr
[● 4 SOURCES] Environmental monitoring is scheduled to continue for five years after the remediation process. ogportal.com · www.dnevno.hr · glas-slavonije.hr · www.index.hr
[○ 1 SOURCE] A draft law on waste shipments has been introduced to ensure full traceability of cross-border waste movement. zadarskilist.novilist.hr
[● 4 SOURCES] Remediation costs for nearly 33,000 tons of waste are estimated at 40 million euros if on-site pre-treatment is used. ogportal.com · www.dnevno.hr · glas-slavonije.hr · www.index.hr